The Pittsburgh Penguins got one of the top free agent defencemen on the market and didnt have to give up big money or term to ge

The Pittsburgh Penguins got one of the top free agent defencemen on the market and didnt have to give up big money or term to get it done. Pat Sims Jersey . Numbers Game looks at the signing of Christian Ehrhoff. The Penguins Get: D Christian Ehrhoff. Ehrhoff, 31, was surprisingly bought out of his contract by the Buffalo Sabres and became one of the most appealing free agent defencemen on a thin market, yet decided to accept a one-year deal with a championship contender. While Ehrhoffs possession numbers werent great in Buffalo, thats no surprise playing for the worst team in the league, and Ehrhoff has consistently posted very strong relative possession numbers, so even though the Penguins may not be a possession powerhouse, they are a better team and have a supporting cast that should allow Ehrhoff to thrive. Since 2008-2009, he has 223 points, which ranks 13th among defencemen and hes averaged better than 23 minutes per game in each of the past four seasons. In Pittsburgh, Ehrhoff effectively takes over for Matt Niskanen, which should include some power play time, but this will allow the Penguins to be a little more judicious as they bring in their young defencemen. Simon Despres is due to move into he lineup and both Olli Maatta and prospect Derrick Pouliot are coming off shoulder surgery, so having Ehrhoff, Paul Martin and Kris Letang gives them a core around which they can anchor their defence. This isnt to suggest that Ehrhoff is a saviour, but hes capable of handling top-pair minutes, so getting that calibre of defenceman without having to give up term or significant money is a virtual gift for the Penguins. Additionally, signing for one year and $4-million, Ehrhoff sets himself up for another big contract next season, should he be so inclined. From the Sabres perspective, they already know that they arent going to be good next year and, apparently, had concerns about Ehrhoff retiring before the end of his contract and the recapture penalties that would go with it. Theyre decidedly worse without Ehrhoff, but being worse when your team finishes 30th still means finishing 30th. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. Cedric Peerman Jersey . The White Sox said Wednesday they acquired left-handed pitching prospect Sean Bierman and infielder Ben Kline, who both played at Class A this season. The White Sox dealt Crain to Tampa Bay on July 29. Kevin Minter Jersey . -- Theres been so much talk about Mike Moustakas at the plate that the third baseman ignored the conversation Wednesday -- even after doing something positive. http://www.officialbengalsprofanatics.com/Black-Friday-Aj-Mccarron-Jersey/ . Brooks replaces right-hander Yordano Ventura, who left his last outing with a sore elbow. Ventura is expected to miss one start. Brooks has made one relief appearance for the Royals this season, allowing six runs in two innings in a May 3 loss to Detroit. LINCOLN, Neb. -- New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard reported to a Lincoln jail Saturday to begin his 60-day term for a 2012 assault on a police officer. Dennard, 24, reported to the Lancaster County Adult Detention Facility Saturday morning, according to corrections officers with the Lincoln facility who spoke on condition of anonymity because of jail policy. The former Nebraska football standout will have to serve at least 35 days, after credit for good behaviour and the three days hes already spent in jail. In April, a judge sentenced Dennard to two years probation, 30 days in jail and community service for assaulting an officer and resisting arrest outside a Lincoln bar days before he was choseen in the NFL Draft. Tyler Eifert Jersey. Dennard had been projected to be a middle-round NFL draft pick, but the Patriots took him in the seventh round. The judge later extended his probation to three years and doubled the jail time after Dennard was again arrested in Lincoln on suspicion of drunken driving in July. That charge was later dismissed in exchange for Dennards no contest plea for refusing to submit to a chemical test. He was fined $500 and placed on probation for that offence. Dennard finished this season, his second in the NFL, with 40 tackles (34 solo, 6 assists) and one interception. The Patriots fell just short of the Super Bowl, losing to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game. Cheap NFL JerseysWholesale JerseysWholesale NFL JerseysJerseys From ChinaWholesale NFL JerseysCheap NFL JerseysCheap Jerseys ' ' '